Daily Cross (by Cathe Laurie)

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’” (Luke 9:23-25 ESV).

How Much Are You Really Willing to Give God? 

What would you give up for your family? Your spouse? Your children?

I bet you would sacrifice just about anything—even your life—for those you love. But would you give them up for Jesus?

When you consider what you would offer Jesus, where does your line fall? Even though we proclaim our faith and say we would follow Him through anything . . . is that true?

How to Be True Disciples

In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus isn’t asking for fair-weather followers or people seeking to improve their lives; He’s calling for true disciples who are willing to count the cost of what it means to follow Him.

This call goes far beyond, “I’m going to give up chocolate for Lent,” or “I’ll work to read my Bible a little more.” Jesus says, “Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 ESV). Deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Give up everything we call our own. Not just on Sundays. Not just on the days we feel like it.

God’s Call to Something Greater

Often, this will fight against our human ambition and selfish desires, because so much of the world tries to feed us the opposite message: Work for you! Earn and enjoy the luxuries of life because you deserve it!

But what if we knew that the things we hold are standing in the way of the best and greatest treasures? Imagine a child holding onto a filthy blanket. Her mom only wants to wash it and give it back in even better condition, with added clothes, a beautiful room, delightful toys, delicious food—more than the child could ever dream! But first, the child must surrender that blanket.

If that were us, I think we’d say we’d happily loosen our death grip on whatever we were holding. God calls us to something far greater and far more stable—His provision and eternal kingdom.

“To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:59-62 ESV).

The things we focus on in this life mean nothing when compared to His kingdom and purpose. Just like that little girl with the blanket, our own desires and possessions can hold us back from God’s full and beautiful work in our lives.

I don’t know what God will call you to do or what He’s asking you to surrender to Him. But He is calling you to follow!

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 ESV).

Lord, You’re not looking to pry open our tightened fingers to deprive us. So teach us to open our hands, knowing that You will take what we give You and transform it, and our hands will be open to receive the kingdom You promised.

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.